WALES coach Rob Howley revealed Warren Gatland played a key role in the Wales selection for the autumn Test series.

Howley is the new Wales interim head coach after stepping up last summer with Gatland taking over the Lions role.

But the New Zealander will return for a two-week period to lead Wales for the final two matches against the All Blacks on November 24 and Australia seven days later.

“Warren has been involved in the decision-making process and it would be very naive for me not to be speaking to him on a daily basis,” said Howley.

“Obviously, he has got his duties with the Lions to fulfil and I know he will be watching a few non-Wales games during the autumn series.”

But Howley remained coy when asked whether he would be available to join Gatland on a second successive Lions tour next year in Australia. Gatland is set to name his support staff in December with Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards expected again to be one of his chief lieutenants.

When asked about his Lions ambitions yesterday, Howley said; “My focus is purely on the trip to Spala and Wales’ first match v Argentina.”

Meanwhile, Howley also insisted the poor European form of the four regions with only one win in eight matches would not affect Welsh preparations.

“It matters how well our regions are doing in terms of confidence,” said Howley. “But we pull on many motivational skills as coaches and players and I’m sure players will be looking forward to coming into the Welsh camp.”